2006 Argentina Home – Riquelme #10

Tournament Overview

This shirt comes from Argentina's 2006 FIFA World Cup campaign in Germany, where La Albiceleste were many people's favourites to lift the trophy. Drawn in Group C, the so-called "group of death", José Pekerman's side beat Côte d'Ivoire, thrashed Serbia and Montenegro 6–0, and drew 0–0 with the Netherlands to top the group. The Serbia match is remembered as a showcase of Argentine team play, with Maxi Rodríguez scoring twice and Cambiasso, Crespo, Tevez and a teenage Lionel Messi also on the scoresheet.

In the Round of 16, Argentina beat Mexico 2–1 after extra time. Maxi Rodríguez settled it with a famous volley in the 98th minute. The quarter-final against hosts Germany in Berlin finished 1–1. Roberto Ayala headed Argentina in front on 49 minutes and Miroslav Klose equalised on 80. Germany won the shootout 4–2, and Argentina went home as one of the tournament's most admired teams.

Player's Impact – Juan Román Riquelme

Riquelme arrived in Germany as arguably the best playmaker in the world, fresh from Villarreal's Champions League semi-final run. He was the creative hub of Pekerman's team and topped the tournament's assist charts with four. His delivery set up Ayala's opener against Germany, and his passing shaped the rhythm of Argentina's best football.

His 72nd-minute substitution against Germany, with Argentina 1–0 up, remains one of the most debated decisions in World Cup history. That is part of why the #10 Riquelme shirt from this tournament holds such a place for collectors. It is a piece of the last great classic number 10's World Cup.

Argentina Squad – 2006 FIFA World Cup

Manager: José Pekerman

Goalkeepers: Roberto Abbondanzieri, Leo Franco, Óscar Ustari

Defenders: Roberto Ayala, Juan Pablo Sorín, Fabricio Coloccini, Gabriel Heinze, Lionel Scaloni, Gabriel Milito, Leandro Cufré, Nicolás Burdisso

Midfielders: Esteban Cambiasso, Javier Mascherano, Juan Román Riquelme, Pablo Aimar, Maxi Rodríguez, Lucho González

Forwards: Javier Saviola, Hernán Crespo, Carlos Tevez, Rodrigo Palacio, Lionel Messi, Julio Cruz